Winner announced for Matariki Kai Competition

Winner Ngā Kai a Matariki 2019, Millennium Hotel Rotorua Executive Chef Jan Charvat

Twenty local judges voted for their favourite indigenous dish and announced Millennium Hotel Rotorua the winner of the 2019 Ngā Kai a Matariki at the Rotorua Farmers Market on Sunday June 30.

The dish was entitled ‘Tuhinga o te maere' meaning ‘Element of Surprise' and included Gougere of saffron crayfish mousse on a bed of moe-moe and celeriac puree, balancing on pan-fried rewena pillow complemented by pickled piko-piko spears.

The dish was created by Millennium Hotel Rotorua's Executive Chef Jan Charvát who was very happy to win.

'I was surprised as all of the dishes the other chef's cooked were amazing”, says Jan.

Local chef and contestant of 2017 My Kitchen Rules NZ, Natasha Whitewood, was pleased to be invited to be a judge.

'Matariki is all about celebration and today brought the community together to celebrate kai ki Matariki”, says Natasha.

Four local hotels and catering companies took part in Ngā Kai A Matariki - The Foods of Matariki Competition this year, with the aim of showcasing traditional Māori cuisine in a contemporary way.

Sous Chef Sameel Buksh from Sudima Lake Rotorua prepared Kai Maui - sautéed riwai potatoes with horopito on black mussel shell with smoked mussels, kawakawa rub tarakihi and creamy kina with lemon.

Some of the judge's comments included:

'Excellent display incorporating elements of the forest and sea, with the opening korero bringing meaning of Matariki to the event.”

Owner and chef for Stolen Bike Catering, Ryan Gregorash, served riverstone grill tarakihi on flame toasted rewena with a horopito spice paste and a kumara marmalade.

The judges loved the way the tarakihi was cooked:

'Great idea to use the stone as a traditional method of cooking.”

Executive Chef of Terrace Catering, Timo Dicker, created Beef of Papatūānuku which included smoked confit of beef with urenika potato, topped with horopito beef tea and kawakawa crisp.

Judges liked that the woven mats on which the dish was placed were made at a local daycare.

'The use of kai Māori and harakeke on display was visually appealing and a great link to the community”.

The twenty judges were asked to vote based on; the display and story behind the dish, visual appearance of dish and use of indigenous ingredients, and finally the taste of the dish.

One of the judges was Rotorua's own Te Rangikaheke Kiripatea, owner of Kai Rotorua.

'The winner on the day is Māori ingredients and how they were infused with other elements. The competition has stepped up a level from last year and looking forward to seeing what is in store next time,” says Te Rangikaheke.

The winning business received a unique trophy designed and created by TOA architects that embodies the spirit of Matariki. The korūrū represents Matariki and on the forehead the pūhoro pattern symbolises how Matariki is used to guide us in life. Each layer of colour is a reference to each of the nine stars that make up the constellation of Matariki - also known as Pleiades.

Millennium Hotel Rotorua, who also were the winner in 2018, will receive $1000 radio promotion package from prize sponsor Mediaworks.

For more Rotorua Matariki events visit www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/matariki

Winning Dish Ngā Kai a Matariki 2019, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Tuhinga o te Maere.

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